Tourniquet and connection assembly therefor

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to first aid articles and more specifically tourniquets suitable for one handed application. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a tourniquet having a base defining first and second ends. A constricting band is attached to and extends from the first end of the base. A handle is engaged with the constricting band. The constricting band is threaded through a buckle assembly including a hexagonal frame member. A hook member includes an eyelet and a cuff which is releasably engaged to a first side of the hexagonal frame member. A loop is fixedly attached to said base which attaches the eyelet of said hook member to the base.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO OTHER RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 17/577,167 filed Jan. 17, 2022 which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/964,294 filed Dec. 9, 2010 which claims priority from application serial No. 61/285,157 filed Dec. 9, 2009, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to medical devices used in first aid. More specifically, this invention relates to improvements in tourniquets used for emergency medical use.

2. Description of Related Art

Loss of blood is a major cause of death in emergency situations in which the injured person is alone or medical assistance is not immediately available. The use of a tourniquet to stop blood loss from an injured arm or leg is a well-known technique for stopping blood flow in these situations. In general, for emergency use where the victim is alone, the victim must be able to apply the tourniquet to his or her own arm or leg and occlude blood flow using only one hand. A typical tourniquet is a tightly tied or wound band applied around a body part, e.g., an arm or a leg, in an attempt to stop severe bleeding or uncontrolled hemorrhage in an emergency situation.

In recent years, several tourniquets designed for one-handed application have become available. These tourniquets typically include a strap 10 engaged with a substantially rigid base 15 and threaded through or looped around a handle 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1 . In order to tighten the tourniquet around a limb, strap 10 is threaded through buckle 25 and handle 20 is twisted thereby causing strap 10 to constrict circumferentially about the limb. A significant drawback to these known tourniquets is, under certain circumstances, they do not facilitate speedy deployment to trapped limbs. In order to deploy these tourniquets to trapped limbs, strap 10 must be manually disengaged from the buckle 25 and subsequently routed around the limb and reengaged with buckle 25 before being tightened. That process requires acute concentration as well as precise dexterity, characteristics that are often not available to an injured person in crisis or a first responder in a high stress environment. In addition, that process delays tourniquet application where even a few seconds of delay can cause fatal blood loss.

Another drawback of known tourniquets designed for one-handed application is that they are sometimes difficult to cinch even when the strap is engaged with the buckle requiring several tugs on the strap and sometimes aid of a second hand. Often, it necessary for an injured person to apply the tourniquet to its own limb. The injured person may have suffered severe trauma and may not have the presence of mind, the patience or the stamina to overcome cinching difficulties.

The use of a tourniquet by military personnel, law enforcement personnel and first responders impose weight and size restrictions. Such personnel carry a variety of critical equipment and they will be disinclined to carry a tourniquet if it is too heavy or if it is too bulky. Accordingly, there is a need for a lightweight, low-profile tourniquet that can be rapidly applied by a first responder or by the victim using one hand.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a lightweight, compact tourniquet suitable for one handed application.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a tourniquet suitable for one handed application that can be easily applied to trapped limbs.

It is another object of the invention to provide a tourniquet suitable for one handed application that minimizes undesired loosening.

Still another object of the invention is to provide tourniquet suitable for one handed application that minimizes unintended disengagement.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a tourniquet suitable for one handed application that provides an audible alert when the tourniquet is properly deployed.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a tourniquet comprises a base and a constricting band disposed at least partially within the base. The constricting band extends from the base and has a first end attached to the base. A handle is engaged with the constricting band. A buckle assembly is provided that includes a polygonal frame member having a lengthwise dimension L2. A free end of the constricting band is threaded through the polygonal frame member. A hook member includes an eyelet, the hook member is pivotally attached to the first end of the constricting band via a loop. The hook member includes a cuff configured to releasably engage said polygonal frame member, where a side of the polygonal frame member that engages the hook has a length L3 that is less than a length L4 of an opposing side of the polygonal frame member and the hook has a length L1 that is about one half of the lengthwise dimension L2 of the opening of the polygonal frame member.

In another embodiment of the invention, a tourniquet includes a base and a constricting band disposed at least partially within the base. The constricting band extends from the base and has a first end attached to the base. A handle is engaged with the constricting band. A buckle assembly is provided with a hexagonal frame member. The free end of the constricting band is threaded through the hexagonal frame member. A hook member includes an eyelet and a cuff which is configured to releasably engage a first side of the hexagonal frame member which is parallel to a second side. The cuff has a length L1 that is shorter than a length L3 of the second side of the hexagonal frame member. A loop is fixedly attached to the base where the loop engages the eyelet of the hook member.

In still another embodiment of the invention, a connection assembly for a tourniquet is provided and includes a buckle assembly including a polygonal frame member configured to receive a constricting band. A hook member includes an eyelet and a cuff, the cuff is configured to releasably engage a first side of said hexagonal frame member. The cuff further includes an interior surface having a plurality of protrusions. The first side of the polygonal frame member is parallel to a second side and the cuff has a length L1 that is shorter than a length L3 of the second side of the polygonal frame member. The hook member is fixedly attached to the base by a loop.

As used herein “substantially,” “generally,”, “slightly” and other words of degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variation from the characteristic so modified. It is not intended to be limited to the absolute value or characteristic which it modifies but rather possessing more of the physical or functional characteristic than its opposite, and preferably, approaching or approximating such a physical or functional characteristic.

The following illustrated embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes based on presently known structural and/or functional equivalents may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary tourniquet.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tourniquet in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a locking assembly for the tourniquet depicted in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of a hook member and strike interface of the locking assembly of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 depicts a buckle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the tourniquet according to the invention includes a constricting band 110 engaged with a base 115. Constricting band 110 preferably has a width of between about 1 inch and about 3 inches, more preferably a width of between about 1 inch and about 2 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the constricting band has a width of about 1.5 inches.

A first end of constricting band 110 is fixedly attached, e.g., stitched, to base 115 at an attachment point 120. Constricting band 110 is then threaded through and/or engaged with a tourniquet handle 123 and reengaged with base 115 at a second end as illustrated in FIG. 2 . For example, constricting band 110 may be sandwiched between upper and lower base layers 125A and 1256 proximate to the second end of base 115. Constricting band 110 then extends from the second end of base 125 by at least a sufficient distance to allow constricting band 110 to be wrapped around the limb of an average size adult male. In some embodiments, tourniquet handle 125 may be attached to base 115 in the manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,776,064 which is herein incorporated by reference.

In accordance with the invention, an exemplary embodiment of the tourniquet according to this invention further includes locking assembly 130 comprising self cinching buckle 135 and hook member 140. In some embodiments, buckle 135 includes a polygonal frame member 137 having a self cinching member 139 engaged with polygonal frame member 137. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , self cinching member 139 comprises a structural member such as a cuff or bar that extends across an opening of polygonal frame member 137 and forms a tongue and groove type engagement with first and second opposing sides of polygonal frame member 137. Constricting band 110 is looped around self-cinching member 139 such that by simply pulling the free end of constricting band 110 self-cinching member 139 slides along frame member 137 in the direction of arrow A until constricting band 110 is pinched between self cinching member 139 and frame member 137.

In the illustrated embodiment, frame member 137 is hexagonal. However, frame member 137 may comprise any polygonal shape that will allow self-cinching member 139 to pinch constricting band 110 against frame member 137.

Hook member 140 is pivotally attached to base 115 proximate to the first end of base 115 and is constructed to form a friction fit with frame member 137. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , hook 140 comprises a cuff having an interior surface 142. Hook 140 has a lengthwise dimension L1 and a width W. It is desirable to keep hook 140 engaged with frame member 137 unless and until a user actively disengages them. Accordingly, to prevent unintended disengagement that may occur, e.g., when the tourniquet is displaced by bouncing against a field medic, a first responder, a solider or hiker's equipment, interior surface 142 is provided with a strike interface comprising a plurality of protrusions 144. Protrusions 144 lock frame member 137 into hook member 140 and minimize accidental disconnection. In addition, protrusions 144 provide an audible alert, i.e., a click, when the user reconnects frame member 137 thus letting them know that the connection is secure.

In keeping with an aspect of the invention hook member 140 has a length L1 that is substantially smaller than a lengthwise dimension L₂ of the opening of frame member 137. In one embodiment, L1=1/2L2. Because the size of the opening of frame member 137 is larger than the length of hook member 140, it is easier for an individual under stress to connect hook member 140 to frame member 137 as it minimizes complicated motor movements and reduces the level of hand eye coordination required to connect hook member 140 to frame member 137. These are particularly important considerations in low light combat environments. In addition, the side of frame member 137 that engages hook member 140 has a length L3 that is just slightly longer than L1, i.e., a few centimeters or less. This makes it easier to connect hook member 140 to frame member 137 while minimizing undesired relative movement, sliding and/or pivoting, of hook member 140 with respect to frame member 137.

In keeping with another aspect of the invention, it is desirable to minimize the loosening of the tourniquet such as may happen, e.g., if the tourniquet is snagged during patient movement. Accordingly, a loop 150 is threaded through eyelet 148 and fixedly attached to base 115, e.g., by stitching, to connect hook member 140 to base 115. Frame member 137 has a rectangular cross section. Accordingly, when frame member 137 is lodged in the crescent trough of hook member 140, as the tourniquet is displaced during patient movement or tactical extraction, hook member 140 is inclined to pivot about loop 150 and is disinclined to pivot about frame member 137 which minimizes the prospect of accidental loosening of constriction band 110.

While the present invention has been illustrated and described by means of specific embodiments and alternatives, it is to be understood that numerous changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not to be limited in any way except in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tourniquet comprising: a base; a constricting band disposed at least partially within the base, the constricting band extending from the base and having a first end attached to the base; a handle engaged with said constricting band; a buckle assembly including a polygonal frame member having a lengthwise dimension L2, a free end of said constricting band being threaded through the polygonal frame member; and a hook member including an eyelet, said hook member being pivotally attached to the first end of the constricting band via a loop, the hook member having a cuff configured to releasably engage said polygonal frame member, where a side of the polygonal frame member that engages the cuff has a length L3 that is less than a length L4 of an opposing side of the polygonal frame member and said hook has a length L1 that is about one half of the lengthwise dimension L2 of the opening of the polygonal frame member.
 2. The tourniquet of claim 1 wherein said hook member forms a friction fit with said polygonal frame member.
 3. The tourniquet of claim 1 wherein said hook member includes an interior surface having a plurality of protrusions.
 4. The tourniquet of claim 1 wherein the length L3 is greater than the length L1 of said hook.
 5. The tourniquet of claim 4 wherein the side of the polygonal frame member that engages said hook has rectangular cross section.
 6. A tourniquet comprising: a base; a constricting band disposed at least partially within the base, the constricting band extending from the base and having a first end attached to the base; a handle engaged with said constricting band; a buckle assembly including a hexagonal frame member, a free end of the constricting band being threaded through the hexagonal frame member; and a hook member including an eyelet and a cuff, the hook member including a cuff configured to releasably engage a first side of said hexagonal frame member, the first side of said hexagonal frame member being parallel to a second side and the cuff having a length L1 that is shorter than a length L3 of the second side of the hexagonal frame member; and a loop fixedly attached to said base, said loop engaging the eyelet of said hook member.
 7. The tourniquet of claim 6 wherein said polygonal frame has an opening having a lengthwise dimension and said hook member has length where said the length of said hook member is less than the lengthwise dimension of the opening the polygonal frame.
 8. The tourniquet of claim 7 wherein the length of the hook member is about on half of the lengthwise dimension of the opening of the polygonal frame.
 9. The tourniquet of claim 7 wherein a side of the polygonal frame that engages said hook member has a length that is slightly greater than the length of said hook member.
 10. The tourniquet of claim 9 wherein the side of the polygonal frame that engages said hook member has rectangular cross section.
 11. A connection assembly for a tourniquet comprising: a buckle assembly including a polygonal frame member configured to receive a constricting band; a hook member including an eyelet and a cuff, a cuff being configured to releasably engage a first side of said hexagonal frame member, the cuff including an interior surface having a plurality of protrusions, the first side of said polygonal frame member being parallel to a second side and the cuff having a length L1 that is shorter than a length L3 of the second side of the polygonal frame member; and a loop configured to be fixedly attached to a tourniquet base, said loop engaging the eyelet of said hook member.
 12. The tourniquet of claim 11 wherein said polygonal frame has an opening having a lengthwise dimension L2 and the cuff has length L1 which is less than L2.
 13. The tourniquet of claim 12 wherein the length of the cuff L1 is about one half of the lengthwise dimension L2 of the opening of the polygonal frame.
 14. The tourniquet of claim 11 wherein said hook member and said buckle are metal assembly. 